For women ages 70 and older with early-stage breast cancer, radiation therapy has limited benefits. However, about two-thirds of women are still getting the treatment, according to new research from Duke University Medical Center.

Radiation treatment was once considered standard of care, which may make it difficult for doctors and patients to withhold treatment— even with data demonstrating that the advantages are small. A 2004 study’s 5-year data showed a small but statistically significant reduction in the rate of cancer oc...